A subluxation is painful condition that requires veterinary care immediately for correction. This condition often involves weeks of rehabilitation for the dog and restricted activity. Once the dog has subluxated a joint, he will be prone to it in the future.
-
Correction
-
A subluxation occurs when a bone pops out of its joint. For example, the shoulder consists of the head of the humorous, or long arm bone, fitting into the socket formed by the clavicle and scapula. The humorous can be pulled or pushed out of this socket by a sufficient force resulting in a subluxation. There are several joints through out the body where this can occur. When a subluxation does occur, the bones must be pushed back into joint. A veterinarian should do this as the animal should be sedated for the procedure, and it must be checked for proper position with an X-ray.
The vet will sedate the dog, usually with a combination analgesic and sedative agent. Manipulating the bone and reducing the subluxation can be impossible without a sedate dog because the muscles surrounding the injury are so tense with pain. When the dog is properly sedated, the vet will try to pull the bone until it rests back in a natural position. He will then take an X-ray to ensure the repositioning is correct and the bone won't just pop back out. Once satisfied with the bone's position, the limb will be wrapped in a position that prevents re-injury while it heals.
Rehab
-
The dog may spend the night at the clinic for pain management and observation. Your veterinarian will send you home with instructions about rehabilitation, pain medications and when to have him rechecked. Do your best to comply with these instruction to speed the healing process.
Typically, your vet will want the dog to rest with as little movement as possible for about a week. Trips outside to use the restroom and then back to doing nothing will be the extent of his activity for the week. When the bandage comes off, it is time to begin rehabilitation. Most dogs will be reluctant to use the limb at first and should not be pushed to do so.
For the next couple days, allow the dog to slowly return to bearing weight in it. Once he does, begin to take him on short walks, such as down the street, several times a day. Every five days or so, increase the distance you walk him by a block. Continue until he is back to normal and been cleared by the vet for full activity. If at any point he doesn't want to use the limb, return to your vet immediately as the it may have subluxated again.
-